Dr. Tim J. Patel D.D.S
Dentist
1818 San Miguel Drive Walnut Creek California, 94596Rating
4/5
About
Tim J. Patel, DDS, is the founder of Diablo Pacific Dental Group in Walnut Creek, California. He has held this post since 2002. The practice focuses on all aspects of general dentistry, including treatment for periodontal disease and cosmetic dentistry as well. Dr. Patel is certified in Invisalign and is working on Lumineer certification, to brighten and whiten teeth. In his spare time, Dr. Patel enjoys giving back to some of California's best dental schools. He has positions at the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry and UCSF (University of California San Francisco).
Education and Training
Boston University
Board Certification
Invisalign
Lumineer Certification pending
Provider Details
Dr. Tim J. Patel D.D.S's Expert Contributions
Why do teeth move back after braces?
Teeth have memory and will try to move back to their original position after orthodontics. It is critical to wear your retainers every night for the rest of your life after treatment. READ MORE
Why is polishing done after scaling?
Coronal Polishing is an essential part of cleaning the teeth. The initial part is called scaling, which is done predominantly to remove calculus (tartar) deposits on the teeth. Polishing will remove the plaque and stain. Polishing also removes the biofilm which is the pellicle layer of bacteria on the surface of teeth READ MORE
How can I fix a gap in my teeth without braces?
You could have bonding done where we add composite resin, you could have ceramic veneers placed or you could have crowns done READ MORE
Can you get a temporary tooth while waiting for an implant?
Yes, you could have a stayplate/flipper denture fabricated and you should of the adjacent teeth may shift into the space. If the adjacent teeth shift, it may create problems with the placement of the crown onto the implant abutment. READ MORE
Why does only one tooth area bleed when I floss?
You may have a food particle lodged in the area that has created some plaque and tartar. Another possibility is that you may have a vertical root fracture. Either way, You should see a dentist to have an evaluation. READ MORE
Can I do teeth whitening with a front half fake incisor?
Whitening teeth cannot happen on a ceramic crown. The only teeth that whiten are natural teeth. If you are concerned about the shade of a tooth, you could choose to do a ceramic laminate veneer or a full coverage restoration, which is a crown. We also suggest that if you are interested in whitening your teeth, you should go through that whitening process prior to selecting the shade of the new crown or veneer. READ MORE
What is the medication that the dentist will use as an anesthesia before my root canal?
Typically, we use Lidocaine and may supplement with an anesthetic called Septocaine. These anesthetics are very well tolerated by most people. Your dentist will discuss your prior medical history, as well as, any known drug allergies. Don’t worry. You should be just fine. READ MORE
I underwent a root canal treatment and it is paining again. What could be the reason?
There is a possibility that you may have a restoration which needs to be adjusted. There is also a possibility that you may have a fractured tooth READ MORE
Is the fluoride treatment at the dentist really worth it?
Yes, Fluoride treatments received at your dentists office are crucial for children up until the 14th Birthday, assuming that children visit the dentist every 6 months. Fluoride accumulates in the teeth and has a sustained benefit of fighting dental caries. We also recommend Fluoride for patients with non lingering hypersensitivity to hot and cold. We also recommend Fluoride for patients who are on the process of bleaching their teeth READ MORE
Can an infected tooth spread the infection to the other teeth as well?
Fortunately, teeth infections do not spread to adjacent teeth, however, gum infections around a tooth could spread to adjacent teeth READ MORE
Pain after a filling?
If you have thermal sensitivity (hot/cold) that lingers for greater than 30 seconds, you probably will need a root canal. If you have pressure sensitivity, you probably need an adjustment of the filling READ MORE
Faculty Titles & Positions
- Adjunct Clinical Professor, University of the Pacific School of Dentistry, UC San Francisco -
Awards
- Recognition for Clinical Excellence and Patient Care, 1998
- National Registry of Who’s Who in America, 1998
Professional Memberships
- Member International Association of HealthCare Professionals
Professional Society Memberships
- California Dental Association, American Dental Association, Contra Costa Dental Society, Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
What do you attribute your success to?
Being passionate about dentistry, taking pride in his work and using cutting edge equipment and service for his patients. he is also committed to educate his patients.
Teaching and speaking
Assistant Clinical Professor at Tufts from 1989-1999, UCSP from 2002-2011, and the University of Pacific from 1999 to present.
Hobbies / Sports
- Golf
Favorite professional publications
- JADA
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